Mansion Sports – Antonio Conte officially confirmed his departure from Napoli, bringing an end to his two-year tenure full of intensity at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Italian coach revealed that his decision to step down had been made a month ago, with a divided atmosphere and lack of internal harmony as the main reasons behind his departure.

Conte Criticizes ‘Toxic’ Atmosphere

Speaking after Napoli’s 1-0 victory against Udinese on the final day of the Serie A season, Conte spoke very openly about why he felt he could no longer continue in his role.

Despite the domestic success he achieved by delivering the Scudetto to Napoli in the 2024-25 season, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager suggested that the environment around the club had become increasingly difficult to manage.

He said: “In Napoli I failed in one thing: I was not able to bring unity to Napoli and if you do not succeed in doing that, it becomes difficult to compete against other teams. I saw a lot of poison and those who spread it are failures.”

“Napoli does not need failures, those who need attention. Napoli needs serious people who want to love this team, just like the fans who pay for tickets, while people like that should stay away because they cause harm.”

“I failed from this point of view and I understood that I would never be able to unite that environment. For me that was fundamental, so I raised my hands.”

Decision Made a Month Ago

The manager’s departure was not a sudden decision after the end of the Serie A season, with Napoli finishing in second place behind Inter, who performed dominantly as champions.

Conte explained that he had made up his mind several weeks earlier, after feeling that the project was no longer aligned with his personal standards regarding success and professionalism.

He added: “After Bologna, what I felt was a situation I did not like and even saying things like that requires courage. I have never gone through a season without direction and I never will.”

“I was also ready to step aside, of course some players who were signed did not integrate with the old group and very difficult dynamics were created, which needed to be said.”

“I called the president a month ago, I did not want to know anything and I told him ‘based on the friendship we have, I feel that my journey here will soon come to an end’. That decision was made by me.”

Links with the Italy National Team and Comments on Guardiola

Conte’s availability inevitably immediately raised speculation regarding the vacant Italy national team coaching position.

However, the coach quickly played down the possibility of a second spell with the Azzurri, while questioning whether the FIGC has the ambition and resources to bring in a world-class replacement such as Pep Guardiola, who is now available after confirming his departure from Manchester City.

“There is nothing between me and the Italian Federation to become Italy head coach. There is nothing as of now. We will see later going forward,” said Conte. “There is not even a federation president at the moment… but let me say this. Is Italy ready to appoint a top coach? I read about Pep Guardiola.”

“If I had to suggest one name, I would say Pep. But… do they have the funds to make it happen? It is still too early to say. As of now I do not have any agreement.”

De Laurentiis Respects the Decision

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis joined his departing manager in the press conference room, confirming that although he had hoped Conte might reconsider his decision, he must now think about the future.

The Partenopei president expressed confidence in the foundation of the squad despite the club facing a vacancy in the coaching position.

“He can always change his mind, so I made myself available. Tomorrow afternoon he will confirm to me that the decision is final, then we will move forward and see what the best solution is for Napoli.”

“Keep in mind that we have around thirty capable players, so with very few new additions this team will be highly competitive even compared with our rivals,” said De Laurentiis.